A Guide from the Inside

What to take, where to eat, where to stay, what to do, and a few little secrets on the side. Not unlike your own personal Jiminy Cricket, (minus the worries of the little guy getting smooshed) the Moab Insiders Guide will provide you with all the essentials for a perfect Moab experience

First Day Hike at Dead Horse Point - Celebrate the New Year with a one-mile ranger-led hike around Dead Horse Point. Learn more about the legend of the park and its natural resources. Meet at the pavilion at Dead Horse Point at 1:00 pm on January 1, 2015. Leashed pets are welcome too! For more info visit deadhorsepoint.utah.gov or call 435-259-2614

Jan 15

Free Film: Love is Strange - The Grand County Library and the Utah Film Center present Love is Strange. With remarkable performances from John Lithgow, Alfred Molina and Marissa Tomei, Love is Strange serves as a graceful tribute to the beauty of commitment in the face of adversity. 7 pm Thursday, Jan. 15 @ Star Hall (159 E. Center St.) For more info visit moablibrary.org or call 435-259-1111.

Jan 19

Free National Park Entrance Day (Martin Luther King Jr. Day) - Visit all national parks, including Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, for free! For more info visit nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

An Evening with Kate MacLeod - Singer/songwriter Kate MacLeod composes music for and about all of us. Whether in a song or on her violin,she captures the essence of history, our landscapes and our lives in the varied music that she creates. She will perform her original songs and more in an intimate setting with special guest Christopher Layer. Event begins at 7pm at Triassic, 7 North Main St., Moab. For more info visitmoabmusicfest.org or call 435-259-7003.

Feb 7

11th Annual Robert Burns Tribute Concert - The sounds of the Scottish Great Highland Pipes, songs, poetry and the aroma of steaming haggis fill "The Great Hall" to celebrate the life and works of poet Robert "Robbie" Burns. Featuring host and musician Christopher Layer, Kate MacLeod, the Moab Community Dance Band, and the Grand County High School Choir. The event is free but donations are accepted at the door. Proceeds benefit the Moab Music Festival Educational Outreach Fund. Doors open at 5:30pm, event begins at 6pm at the Grand Center, 182 North 500 West, Moab. For more info visit moabmusicfest.org or call 435-259-7003.

Feb 14-16

National Park Fee Free Day - Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are joining national parks across the country in waiving entrance fees for several days in 2015 as a way to encourage people to get outdoors and spend time with their friends and family in the national parks. For more information visit nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

Puttin' on the Ritz - Puttin' on the Ritz! It's almost time for the classiest party of the year! Give your Valentine a gift that keeps on giving—tickets to Seekhaven's annual fundraiser on February 14th, Valentine's Day, at 6 p.m. at the Grand Center. Celebrate with an exquisite dinner, lively dancing and a silent auction—all in support of a critical community service. Tickets on sale now at Seekhaven or Zion's Bank. For more info visitseekhaven.org or call 435-259-2229.

Feb 18-21

Quilted Moab - Moab's first quilting retreat. Lecture, classes and trunk show by a special guest. Classes, games and give-a-ways to registered quilters. For more info visit Quiltedmoab.com or call 435-259-6283.

Feb 26

Free Film: PUMP - The Grand County Library and the Utah Film Center present PUMP: A documentary that tells the story of America's addiction to oil, from its corporate conspiracy beginnings to its current monopoly today, and explains clearly and simply how we can end it - and finally win choice at the pump. 7 pm Thursday February 26 @ Star Hall 159 E. Center St. For more info visit moablibrary.org or call 435-259-1111.

Feb 27-Mar 1

Dogs on Course of North America - Agility Competition - Dog agility competition where dogs run courses with their handlers through obstacles like tunnels, jumps, weave poles. Due to it being a competition, public will need to leave their pets at home. Event is Friday 6pm-8pm, Saturday & Sunday 9am to 4pm For more info call 970-248-9516.

Poison Spider THAW - Fun weekend of demo bicycles and industry events. The Thaw kicks off on Friday with a women's only group ride/skills clinic and continues throughout the weekend at the Moab Brand trails. Come join Moab's best bike guides and cycling personalities for a great time! For more info visit poisonspiderbicycles.com or call 435-259-7882.

Mar 7

Moab Off-Road Duathlon and Spring Trail Run - Moab Off-Road Duathlon (3k run, 12k mtn bike, 6k run) and Spring Trail Run (6k or 17K options). Open to the public. Experience the awesome Moab trails in the North Klondike area! Participants will receive a t-shirt, meal, and awards. For more info visit trainingrx.com or call 970-389-4838.

Outerbike - Spring 2015 - Outerbike is a consumer bike demo event. Bike manufacturers from around the world come to Moab and participants test bikes on Moab's world class trails. The entry fee includes unlimited demo bikes, lunches, and a beer garden at the Bar M Trail head as well as movies and parties in town. Find your perfect ride! For more info visit outerbike.com or call 800-845-2453.

Mar 14

Moab Artwalk - Moab Art Walk features local artists and receptions where you can hang around the most interesting people in Moab, view new artwork, and share a refreshment with your favorite artists. 6pm - 9pm. For more info visit artwalkmoab.com or call 435-259-4912.

Mar 14-15

Quilting in the Red Rocks - The Delicate Stitchers Quilt Guild will display traditional and art quilts, as well as other quilted items at its ninth biennial quilt show. Also featuring a merchants mall, quilt appraiser and demonstrations at The Grand Center, 182 N 500 West. Free Admission For more info visit moabquilts.blogspot.com or call 435-259-6447.

Mar 14-17

Moab Skinny Tire Festival - Celebrating Life and the Sport of Road Cycling. Four days of exhilarating road cycling in the spectacular red rock canyons, arches and mountains of Moab, Utah. This event is a fund raiser for cancer survivors and research programs and directly benefits the Moab Cancer Treatment Center and regional cancer treatment programs. Get inspired and make a difference in the lives of those living with, through, and beyond cancer. For more info visit skinnytireevents.com or call 435-260-8889.

Canyonlands Half Marathon and Five Mile Race - Join us for the 40th annual Canyonlands Half Marathon and Five Mile Run! The scenic USATF sanctioned and certified course follows the Colorado River through a dramatic redrock canyon. Food, awards, raffle and live music await you at the finish in downtown Moab. For more info visit moabhalfmarathon.com or call 435-259-4525.

Mar 21-22

24 Hours of Utah - Team Relay, Solo Challenges, 6 Hour Nighttime Fun Run, 50K, 100K and 100 mile categories. 24 Hours of Utah is run under the sun and stars in a stunning backdrop. It is a series of endurance races that brings out the sense of adventure, stubborn determination and fun in every competitor! This race is all day and all night where runners can participate in a number of distances or timed events. For more info visitgeminiadventures.com or call 303-249-1112.

Mar 28

Behind the Rocks Ultra - Behind the Rocks Ultra was created to highlight Moab's hidden gem, the Behind the Rocks Wilderness Area. The 50 mile, 50k and 25k courses was designed to highlight the technical slickrock trails of Moab, the views of the Behind the Rocks Wilderness area, and the snow capped La Sal mountains. For more info visit grassrootsevents.net or call 719.429.9501.

Mar 28 - Apr 5

Easter Jeep Safari - Experience the red desert from mesa top to canyon bottom in your own vehicle on 40 different trails ranging in difficulty from 2-9. All trails in this nine day event are guided by experienced, friendly trail officials. For more info visit RR4W.com or call 435-259-ROCK.

Moab Artwalk - Moab Art Walk features local artists and receptions where you can hang around the most interesting people in Moab, view new artwork, and share a refreshment with your favorite artists. 6pm - 9pm. For more info visit artwalkmoab.com or call 435-259-4912.

2015 RMAR Moab Rendezvous - Come out and join us for this epic dual sport motorcycle event, based in Moab, Utah. We are limited to 100 riders, so don't wait to register (www.rmariders.org). Bring whatever bike you want, from a big dual sport to a 2-stroke dirt bikes, or anything in between. Our guided rides will encompass all skill levels so don't worry if you are a new rider, you are among friends. The goal of this event is to raise $10,000 for "Ride with Respect" (www.ridewithrespect.org). For more info visit rmariders.org/2015-moab-rendezvous.html or call 719.482.4789.

Apr 24-26

Moab April Action Car Show - Our 23rd annual car show. Friday is a Rod Run, Saturday is the Car Show and Sunday a Rod Run to Dead Horse Point State Park. Trophies in 30 classes. Free admission for spectators. For more info visit moabaprilaction.org or call 435-260-1948.

Gran Fondo Moab - A timed road bicycle event held Moab, Utah that goes from the beautiful red rocks along the Colorado River up over the La Sal mountains. The ride is 60 miles with 5500 feet of climbing. Ride it for fun or race your friends! For more info visit granfondomoab.com or call 435-654-8650.

May 2

Amasa Trail Run - Amasa features technical slickrock and some of the best scenes Moab has to offer. All runners will be impressed by the spectacular views of the Colorado River corridor, Behind the Rocks and the majestic snow capped La Sal Mountain range. For more info visitgrassrootsevents.net or call 719-429-9501.

May 2-3

Spanish Trail Classic - This is a team roping event sanctioned by USTRC (United States Team Roping Championships). The event is an annual event and is open to the public. Old Spanish Trail Arena (3641 S Hwy 191) - Free admission - For more info visit ustrc.com or call 254-968-0002.

May 9

Moab Artwalk - Moab Art Walk features local artists and receptions where you can hang around the most interesting people in Moab, view new artwork, and share a refreshment with your favorite artists. 6pm - 9pm. For more info visit artwalkmoab.com or call 435-259-4912.

May 9

Back Of Beyond Stand Up Paddle Race - Starting 29 miles from Moab on Highway 128 at historic Dewey Bridge, Back of Beyond SUP Race follows the Colorado River through the spectacular red rock canyons of Southeastern Utah and past some of the world's most breathtaking scenery – through Moab's 'Postcard Alley' and into Utah's own 'back of beyond'. For more info visit backofbeyondsup.com or call 435-210-4665.

May 9

Red Rock Relay Moab - Teams of six will start before sunrise and run relay-style through 63 miles of Moab's back country red rock and alpine terrains, finishing their exhilarating and fulfilling race day before sunset. For more info visit redrockrelay.com/moab or call 801-787-4597.

6th Annual Willys Overland Rally - Join Willy owners from all over the country to celebrate the American Classic - the Willys pick up and Station Wagon. Explore one of Americas greatest treasures in an American classic. Great raffle prizes, BBQ, car show, trail rides and friendly people. For more info visit willysrally.com or call 702-622-5688.

May 23-24

23rd Annual Moab Art Festival and Wine & Beer Festival - Free admission, live music, Wine & Beer Garden, art vendors and art for kids. Located in the gorgeous setting of Swanny City Park (400 N 100 W) on Saturday, from 10am-7pm, and on Sunday, from 10am-6pm. This free community event hosts local and national artists and welcomes residents & visitors from all parts of the world. For more info emailinfo@moabartsfestival.org, visit moabartsfestival.org or call 435-259-2742.

May 24

Moab Off Road Triathlon - Moab Off Road Triathlon at Ken's Lake. Long & Short course distance racing - produced by Get Fit Family Racing & 5x Ironman Champion Heather Gollnick. For more info visit getfitfamilyracing.com or call 941-961-7575.

Canyonlands PRCA Rodeo - Rodeo dates are June 4th,5th, & 6th. The carnival and doors will open at 5:00 pm each night. Rodeo parade starts at 10:00 am Saturday, June 6th, from Swanny City Park down main street to City Market. Come participate in the parade by filling out an application or just watch for great fun! Tickets can be purchased online at moabcanyonlandsrodeo.com - Advanced tickets can also be purchased at our ticket outlets: City Market, Moab Information Center and Big Horn Lodge. For more info visit moabcanyonlandsrodeo.com or call 435-259-4852.

Jun 5-6

Thelma & Louise - It'll be a wild ride--run with your best friend, your mom, your daughter, or new friends through the intense, gorgeous landscape of the outlaw heroines' journey. The 4th annual Thelma & Louise Women's Half Marathon will inspire, challenge...and give back. Proceeds go to two organizations that support women and girls: Girls on the Run and Seekhaven Family Crisis Center. For more info visitmoabhalfmarathon.com/tlhm/index.cfm or call 435-259-4525.

Jun 12-13

Road bicycle relay race from Moab to St.George - Road bicycle relay from Moab,UT to St.George,UT for teams of 4 riders. Includes competitive and non-competitive options as well as men's, women's and co-ed categories. For more info visit rockwellrelay.com or call 801-809-0086.

Jun 12-14

Canyonlands Whitewater Music Festival - The next big festival is here. The Canyonlands Whitewater Music Festival will feature the best acts and best recreational activities you can think of. For more info visit canyonlandswhitewatermusicfestival.com or call 512-264-4594.

Jun 14-20

Desert RATS Stage Race - Unique beauty, amazing wildlife and profound solitude – all the elements of true adventure – reward racers willing to brave the strenuous Desert RATS journey across the Kokopelli Trail. After a challenging day on the trails, racers sit down to a hot meal and share stories around a campfire. The course is a carefully laid out, truly authentic, wilderness experience. Bathe in the Colorado river, sleep in tents and run across the amazing desert landscape while dining on delicious meals and mingling with friends that will last a lifetime. For more info visitgeminiadventures.com or call 303-249-1112.

Jun 27

Dawg Days of Summer BBQ & Silent Auction - Join us on Saturday, from 5:00pm-8:00pm, at Old City Park for our annual Dawg Days of Summer BBQ & Silent Auction Benefit for the Humane Society of Moab Valley. Relax and enjoy the tunes of local musicians while treating your taste buds to a delicious backyard BBQ. And, you won't want to resist bidding on the many luxury gift items at our silent auction! For more info visitmoabpets.org or call 435-259-4862.

July 4th Celebration - Patriotic Parade starts 9:30 followed by a celebration in the Swanny City Park from 10:00am - 2:00pm. Watermelon eating contest, pie eating contest, dunk tank, music and entertainment, food and vendors. Come enjoy the fun! For more info visit moabchamber.com or call 435-259-7814.

July 4

Moab's Alpine to Slickrock 50 Mile - First conceived in 2004, the MAS 50 is the event that brought attention to Moab's trail running scene. Alpine to Slickrock says it all, where else can you cross three mountain passes at or above 11,000 ft. and finish on beautiful slickrock terrain? The MAS 50 is an ultra that will leave even the most seasoned runner wishing he had trained harder! Past runners have even referred to this race as a "mini Hardrock!" If a gritty, physically challenging race is on your to-do list, then you will want to add the MAS 50 to your ultra calendar. For more info visitgrassrootsevents.net or call 719-429-9501.

Moab Artwalk - Moab Art Walk features local artists and receptions where you can hang around the most interesting people in Moab, view new artwork, and share a refreshment with your favorite artists. 6pm - 9pm. For more info visit artwalkmoab.com or call 435-259-4912.

National Park Fee Free Day - Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are joining national parks across the country in waiving entrance fees for several days in 2015 as a way to encourage people to get outdoors and spend time with their friends and family in the national parks. For more information visit nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

Moab Music Festival - Every September, the award-winning Moab Music Festival brings world-class musicians to stunning red rock venues around Moab, Utah for a feast of chamber music, jazz, and traditional music concerts. We call it "music in concert with the landscape," celebrating old and new chamber music, jazz with a Latin flavor, and traditional music from around the globe. For more info visit moabmusicfest.org or call 435-259-7003.

Sep 7

Labor Day

Sep 5-7

Labor Day Camp Out & Safari - Drive your own vehicle on 14 different trails including one overnight (2-7 ratings), all guided by experienced, friendly officials. A no hookup campsite, breakfast, dinner and a drawing ticket (on Saturday) are included in the package. For more info visitRR4W.com or call 435-259-ROCK.

Sep 12

Moab Artwalk - Moab Art Walk features local artists and receptions where you can hang around the most interesting people in Moab, view new artwork, and share a refreshment with your favorite artists. 6pm - 9pm. For more info visit artwalkmoab.com or call 435-259-4912.

Sep 19

Moab Century Tour - Moab Century Tour - Landscape Worth Training For! Utah's most scenic, fully supported road cycling event. With 40, 60, and 100 mile route options and elevations from 220' to 3200'. A route for every cycling level. Come on out and have some fun! For more info visitskinnytireevents.com or call 435-260-8889.

Sep 20

Moab Century Tour - Landscape Worth Training For! Canyons, River, Mountains - Utah's most scenic road cycling routes with 40, 65, and 100 mile options with route elevations from 220' to 5500'. Fabulous roads, cycling icons, delicious food, support vehicles, water and food stations, and cheery volunteers. Come on out and have some fun! For more info visit skinnytireevents.com or call 435-260-8889.

Sep 21-27

Moab Pride Festival - The Moab Pride Festival and Moab Gay Adventure week is a week long celebration of adventure, awareness and acceptance. Throughout the festival Moab Pride seeks to contribute to the overall health & well-being of the Moab GLBTQ community & beyond by engaging & partnering with the whole community to create a more informed public - challenged & delighted by a deeper understanding of individual experiences, ideas & motivations. Come celebrate with us! For more info visit moabpride.org or call 310-435-9488.

Mother Of All Boogies (M.O.A.B.) - 11th annual skydiving festival where participants from all over the world converge on Moab for 4 full days of skydiving. First time tandem skydives are welcomed and encouraged! Jump from 14,500 feet above the ground for 60 seconds of free fall and see Moab from the air under a parachute! For more info visit skydivemoab.com or call 435-259-5867.

Sep 26

National Park Fee Free Day - Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are joining national parks across the country in waiving entrance fees for several days in 2015 as a way to encourage people to get outdoors and spend time with their friends and family in the national parks. For more information visit nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

Outerbike - Fall 2015 - Outerbike is a consumer bike demo event. Bike manufacturers from around the world come to Moab and participants test bikes on Moab's world class trails. The entry fee includes unlimited demo bikes, lunches, and a beer garden at the Bar M Trail head as well as movies and parties in town. Find your perfect ride! For more info visit outerbike.com or call 800-845-2453.

Moab Artwalk - Moab Art Walk features local artists and receptions where you can hang around the most interesting people in Moab, view new artwork, and share a refreshment with your favorite artists. 6pm - 9pm. For more info visit artwalkmoab.com or call 435-259-4912.

Moab Rocks Mountain Bike Stage Race - Moab Rocks takes some of the regions best classic and new routes including Klondike, Porcupine Rim and Mag 7 and combines them into a 3-day masterpiece of xc and timed descents in a fully supported format. All this wrapped up in a fun and friendly atmosphere, combining camaraderie and competition. For more info visit transrockies.com/moab-rocks/ or call 403-483-9977.

The Other Half - Stunning redrock and mountain views accompany you along the Colorado River at the 12th annual The Other Half in Moab. Fun aid stations and Taiko drummers are along the course and finisher medals, food, music and microbrews await you at the finish at Sorrel River Ranch Resort. For more info visit moabhalfmarathon.com/otherhalf/index.cfm or call 435-259-4525.

Moab Folk Camp - Experience a community of music and song in the spectacular red rock country of southeastern Utah. We offer a supportive environment where adults can experience the joy of making music and learning new skills in a caring environment. Classes in guitar, banjo, song writing, voice, hand drum, mandolin, painting and photography. For more info visit moabfolkcamp.com or call 603-731-3240 For more info visitmoabfolkcamp.com or call 603-731-3240.

Nov 4-7

Moab Senior Games - The Moab Senior Games is a competitive sports event centered around people ages 50 to 100 that keep fit and like challenges. We love first timers and the inexperienced to join us! For more info visit moabseniorgames.com or call 435-260-01614.

Nov 6-8

Moab Celtic Festival "Scots on the Rocks" - Utah's newest celtic festival will hold its 2nd annual festival at the Old Spanish Trail Arena. Throughout the weekend there will be pipe bands, highland dancing, heavy athletics, clans and various vendors, not to forget some great entertainment. Everyone of celtic heritage, and those who want to be, are encouraged to come out and have fun. Times and schedules of the events and entertainment will be ongoing and available throught the year. For more info visit moabcelticfestival.org or call 435-210-0080.

Nov 14

National Park Fee Free Day - Arches and Canyonlands National Parks are joining national parks across the country in waiving entrance fees for several days in 2015 as a way to encourage people to get outdoors and spend time with their friends and family in the national parks. For more information visit nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm.

Nov 7

Moab Artwalk - Moab Art Walk features local artists and receptions where you can hang around the most interesting people in Moab, view new artwork, and share a refreshment with your favorite artists. 6pm - 9pm. For more info visit artwalkmoab.com or call 435-259-4912.

Nov 20-23

Moab International Film Festival - Moab International Film Festival showcases films which inspire change for the better in our world. $5 tickets and $30 passes are available at Canyonlands Copy Center, Sgt. Peppers Music and Video, The T-Shirt Shop, Back of Beyond Books, or online at moabfilmfestival.org. For more info visit moabfilmfestival.org or call 435-261-2393.

Winter Sun 10K - A fast course, great raffle prizes and delicious finish food make the 33rd annual Winter Sun 10K a good reason to visit Moab when the air is crisp and the skies are blue and sunny. For more info visit moabhalfmarathon.com/wintersun/index.cfm or call 435-259-4525.

Dec 4-5

Christmas Tree Lighting and Electric Light Parade - December 4 - City Tree Lighting, Swanny City Park, 5:00 pm. Live Entertainment, Hot Cocoa, Meet Santa! December 5, Electric Light Parade One of Utah's best light parades! Starts at dark on Main Street. For more info visitmoabchamber.com or call 435-259-7814.